Pennsylvania Home Insurance

In Pennsylvania, the average premium rate for homeowners insurance is $893 per year. That number is lower than the US national average of $1,132 per year. Among all states, Pennsylvania ranks 34th in home insurance coverage rates. Over 68 percent of housing units in PA are owned by their owner. Nationwide, 63 percent of housing units are owner-owned. In this state, 28.5 percent of homeowners spend 30 percent or more of their total annual income on homeowner-ownership expenses. Approximately 47 percent of renters in Pennsylvania spend 30 percent or more of their total income on rental expenses and utilities.

Pennsylvania home insurance includes several categories of critical protection. Most insurers in this state provide coverage for your dwelling (also called your home structure), other structures on the property, (such as a shed or stand-alone garage), and personal property, which may include furniture, bicycles, and stereos. They offer liability protection, which protects you if someone else is injured on your property, and guest medical protection, which helps cover the cost of medical expenses for another person who is injured on your property. When choosing a policy that fits your needs, inquire about any additional protection options, such as whether or not a policy covers increased costs of living, such as food and lodging expenses, if your home becomes uninhabitable after a loss.

One unique consideration of Pennsylvania homeowners insurance is sinkhole claims. According to the US Geological Survey, Pennsylvania has one of the highest annual rates of sinkhole damage among all US states. Many homeowners insurance plans exclude coverage for sinkhole damage, but you may want to consider spending a bit more for that coverage if you are in a high-risk area.

Depending on your location and other property factors, you may be able to save money on your Pennsylvania home insurance rates. You can save up to 15 percent on homeowners insurance costs for having a smoke-free home or a house fortified with fire and theft-protection equipment including deadbolts, security systems, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers. Combining home and auto insurance can also reduce your premium – in some cases, up to 30 percent. Homes in Pennsylvania that are specially designed to reduce the risk of loss from natural disasters can also qualify for premium discounts. If your residence has storm shutters or a hail-resistant roof, you may save money on your annual policy plan. Some insurers offer a loyalty discount, such as lowering your home premium rate after you have been on their plan for a certain period of time. Individuals who are 55 and older may save up to 10 percent on their home insurance rates. Lastly, check to see if your prospective insurer offers discounts for certain payment plans, such as automated payments from your checking or savings account.

In Pennsylvania, an insurance plan should cover your house for at least 80 percent of its replacement value. Ask about coverage options for any personal belongings that are valuable to you, such as jewelry and collectibles. It may cost more to insure these items, but that expense may be worth the investment to protect your keepsakes.